Michigan’s embrace of renewable energy and energy efficiency has paid off by creating jobs for Michigan workers and sparking investment in local communities. We must now take the next step and settle on a long-term energy plan that sets higher goals for renewable energy and energy efficiency so we can continue reaping these benefits.

The governor is holding energy forums across the state in the coming weeks. As a long-time supporter of clean energy, it’s my hope these forums lead us to a long-term energy plan.

We can’t ignore the fact nearly 30 other states — including Midwest states like Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa — already have stronger renewable energy or energy efficiency policies than Michigan. Those policies are helping to create jobs and rein in rising energy costs.

The Michigan Public Service Commission recently said, “Michigan has the potential to become a regional leader in development and manufacturing of renewable energy systems, building on the state’s engineering expertise, modernized machining, and investment in renewable energy in coming years.”

I agree. But we must act now to set long-term energy goals so we don’t fall behind.

With $1.8 billion invested in renewable energy in our state, it’s clear many communities and residents are reaping the benefits. Consumers Energy was highlighted in the MPSC report as providing a $10 million economic boost to Mason County for its Lake Winds Energy Park.

However, this must be compared to the $1.7 billion spent each year by Michigan consumers to import coal from other states. Nearly 60 percent of our electricity comes from burning imported coal for electricity.

Expanding Michigan’s use of clean energy will diversify our energy sources and create more choices and competition.

According to the MPSC, renewable energy has already proven to be cheaper than new coal generation and for every $1 spent on energy efficiency, consumers avoid $3.55 in energy costs.

The utilities are well on track to meeting our 10 percent renewable energy standard by 2015 and are ahead of schedule when it comes to implementing energy efficiency programs. We cannot lose this momentum when it will clearly benefit our economy and the pocketbooks of Michigan families for years to come.

As residents who breathe the air every day and drink the water, we also can’t ignore the health benefits associated with moving toward cleaner energy sources, like wind and solar.

By embracing renewable energy and energy efficiency we can reduce dangerous pollution in our air and water and be better stewards of our natural resources, including the Great Lakes.

There will be a robust discussion on Michigan’s energy policy in the coming weeks. It’s my hope that people don’t lose sight of what’s truly at stake in this discussion — whether we create more jobs, help rein in rising energy costs and improve public health or stick with a status quo that hurts us in all three categories.

— Nancy James, a member of the Sierra Club Jackson group, recently testified at Gov. Rick Snyder’s first energy forum.